DBSA provides senior debt funding for Lobito Atlantic Railway Project

By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Dec 17, 2025

Financing Transport announced Lobito, Angola Dec 17, 2025

USD200M

Deal Value

development

Stage

Lobito Atlantic Railway Project

Project

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) approved senior debt funding of up to US$200 million for the Lobito Atlantic Railway Project in Angola, co-funded alongside $553 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) with Trafigura, Mota-Engil and Vecturis as the project sponsors.

Deal Analysis

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has committed up to US$200 million in senior debt financing for the Lobito Atlantic Railway Project in Angola. This financing is part of a larger US$753 million package, which includes US$553 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). The project sponsors are Trafigura, Mota-Engil, and Vecturis. This investment aims to improve transport infrastructure in Angola, potentially unlocking economic opportunities and facilitating trade within the region. The involvement of both DBSA and DFC underscores the strategic importance of this project for regional development and international cooperation. The Lobito Atlantic Railway Project is a significant infrastructure undertaking in Angola. The deal is notable for its size, with a total financing package exceeding US$750 million, and the involvement of key players such as DBSA, DFC, and commodity trading giant Trafigura. The project's success could have far-reaching implications for the transportation sector in Angola and potentially influence future infrastructure investments in the region. The participation of international entities like the DFC signals confidence in the project's viability and its potential to contribute to economic growth and stability.

US$200 million senior debt funding from DBSA.
Total financing package of US$753 million, including US$553 million from the DFC.
Project sponsors include Trafigura, Mota-Engil, and Vecturis.
Focuses on improving transport infrastructure in Angola.

Market Context: The transport sector in Angola is crucial for facilitating trade and economic development. Investments in infrastructure projects like the Lobito Atlantic Railway are vital for improving connectivity and unlocking the country's economic potential. The involvement of international development finance institutions and private sector players highlights the growing interest in infrastructure development in the region.

Source Intelligence

KEY DETAILS

The project aims to establish an efficient and reliable railway connection from the Lobito Port on Angola’s Atlantic coast to the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Quote: "Through building regional connectivity, this project aims to enhance regional trade and transportation networks by establishing an efficient and reliable railway connection from the Lobito Port on Angola’s Atlantic coast to the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)." The project involves the rehabilitation of the 1,289 km Benguela Railway line. Quote: "Our US$200 million funding is aligned with our regional integration strategy, which directs towards the rehabilitation of the 1,289 km Benguela Railway line, connecting the Port of Lobito in Angola to the DRC border."

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Deal Size

The DBSA's participation includes approved senior debt funding of up to US$200 million co-funded alongside $553 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) with Trafigura, Mota-Engil and Vecturis as the project sponsors.

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Location

the Lobito Atlantic Railway Project in Angola

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Announcement

Washington DC, 17 December 2025 – Today, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) participated in a landmark signing of the loan agreement for the Lobito Atlantic Railway Project in Angola.

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Signing

Washington DC, 17 December 2025 – Today, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) participated in a landmark signing of the loan agreement for the Lobito Atlantic Railway Project in Angola.

PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE

Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) lender

"Today, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) participated in a landmark signing of the loan agreement for the Lobito Atlantic Railway Project in Angola."

U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) lender

"co-funded alongside $553 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) with Trafigura, Mota-Engil and Vecturis as the project sponsors."

Trafigura project sponsors

"co-funded alongside $553 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) with Trafigura, Mota-Engil and Vecturis as the project sponsors."

Mota-Engil project sponsors

"co-funded alongside $553 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) with Trafigura, Mota-Engil and Vecturis as the project sponsors."

Vecturis project sponsors

"co-funded alongside $553 million from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) with Trafigura, Mota-Engil and Vecturis as the project sponsors."

high quality Enriched Feb 19, 2026